Between a manuscript and a finished book lies a series of decisions — binding, paper, print run, finishing — that determine quality, price, and turnaround. This guide covers every step, from choosing a binding to delivery of the printed run.
Binding types
| Binding | Description | Best for | Price bracket |
|---|---|---|---|
| Perfect bound (PUR) | Cover glued to the spine of the book block | Manuals, novels, textbooks up to ~400 pages | Lowest |
| Sewn softcover | Signatures stitched then glued | Books requiring intensive handling | Medium |
| Hardcover (case bound) | Board cover wrapped in paper or cloth | Premium editions, gifts, art books | High |
| Wire-O / spiral | Metal spiral through punched holes | Manuals, cookbooks, calendars — lies flat when open | Medium |
| Thread-sewn (section sewn) | Signatures sewn with thread, then glued | Most durable binding. Encyclopaedias, catalogues. | Highest |
Perfect binding with PUR adhesive is the standard for most books. PUR glue is flexible — it does not crack, even when the book is bent back. For books exceeding 400 pages or subject to heavy use, we recommend sewn binding.
Interior paper
- 80 gsm offset (uncoated) — standard for fiction, novels, manuals. No glare, pleasant to read. Most affordable option.
- 100 gsm matt coated — for books with photographs and colour illustrations. Colours are more vivid than on offset paper; the surface is smooth without reflection.
- 120 gsm premium offset — thicker, more rigid. For art monographs, catalogues, premium manuals. The book gains weight — literally and in perception.
- 90 gsm cream — slightly yellowish offset paper. Used for fiction — easier on the eyes during long reading sessions.
Covers
The cover is the first and last thing the reader sees. Get it right.
- 250 gsm coated — minimum weight for softcover. A lighter cover for brochures and thinner books.
- 300 gsm coated — softcover standard. Rigid enough for bookshelves, light enough for postal distribution.
- 350 gsm coated — premium softcover. Noticeably sturdier. For manuals, business books, editions that need to stand out.
- Matt lamination — protection and aesthetics. The matt feel is today’s standard for serious publications.
- Spot UV varnish on matt — the title or logo in glossy varnish. Effective and affordable.
- Foil stamping (gold, silver, copper) — metallic details on the cover. Premium segment.
Print runs
| Run | Technology | Unit price (200 pp, softcover) | Turnaround |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1–10 copies | Print-on-demand (digital) | EUR 8–15 | 3–5 days |
| 50–500 copies | Digital printing | EUR 4–8 | 5–10 days |
| 500–2,000 copies | Digital or offset | EUR 2.50–5 | 10–15 days |
| 2,000–10,000+ copies | Offset | EUR 1.50–3 | 15–21 days |
Prices are indicative for a B5-format book (170 x 240 mm), 200 pages, perfect binding with matt lamination. Actual pricing depends on format, page count, paper, and finishing.
Process: manuscript to finished product
- Manuscript — The author delivers the finalised text (Word, Google Docs, InDesign).
- Typesetting — The designer lays out the text in print format (InDesign), selects typefaces, sets page breaks, adds pagination. The cover is designed separately — with spine width calculated.
- Proofreading — At least one round of corrections. We recommend two: one for content errors, one for layout.
- Proof — A physical print of selected pages or the complete book. Check colours, layout, legibility. Once the proof is approved, no further changes.
- Printing — Digital or offset, depending on the run size.
- Binding and finishing — The book block is assembled, covers laminated, binding completed. For hardcovers, this is a longer process.
- Delivery — To your address or via a logistics partner. For self-publishers: directly to warehouse or distribution.
Timeline
| Phase | Duration |
|---|---|
| Typesetting (design) | 3–10 days |
| Proofreading (1–2 rounds) | 2–5 days |
| Proof | 1–3 days |
| Print + binding (digital) | 5–10 days |
| Print + binding (offset) | 10–21 days |
| Delivery | 1–3 days |
Total: from submission of a print-ready file to the book in your hands — 7 to 25 working days, depending on run size and binding.
Self-publishing — Cangura
If you are an author looking to self-publish, you do not need a publisher. Cangura is a distribution partner that handles sales, warehousing, and distribution of your book through an online bookshop and the book trade network. You focus on the content, we print it, Cangura sells it.
The Aero Print (printing) + Cangura (distribution) combination covers the entire journey from manuscript to reader.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to print 100 books?
For a B5-format book, 200 pages, perfect binding with matt lamination: approximately EUR 400–600 for 100 copies (EUR 4–6 per copy). The exact price depends on format, paper, and finishing. Send your specifications for a precise quote.
How long does book printing take?
From submission of a print-ready file: 5–10 working days for digital printing, 10–21 days for offset. The full process (design, proofreading, printing, binding) takes 2–5 weeks.
Do you help with design?
Yes. We offer the complete service from typesetting to cover design. You can bring just a manuscript in Word — we handle everything else. More on our graphic design page.
Read our complete Printing Guide or see our book printing service page.
More about file preparation for print.
Posodobljeno: 07-04-2026